The Board of Trustees of the Almarai Scientific Creativity Award has unveiled the winners of the 2024 cycle, aligning with its new strategy that supports national priorities in research and development (R&D) and innovation, particularly in environmental sustainability and addressing basic needs. The award aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s leadership in food security, particularly in arid regions, while encouraging researchers and innovators globally. It also highlights groundbreaking work to inspire future generations.
Announcement of Winners
The winners were announced during the award’s annual virtual meeting, chaired by Dr. Munir M. Eldesouki, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and Chairman of the Award’s Board. The meeting was attended by Prince Naif bin Sultan bin Muhammad bin Saud Al-Kabeer, Chairman of Almarai Company and Vice Chairman of the Award’s Board, along with other board members.
International Recognition
The prestigious Almarai Prize, the highest-value international award in food security for dryland regions, was granted to the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) for its exceptional project, “Enhancing Food Security in Arab Countries.” This 12-year initiative focuses on boosting agricultural productivity by developing sustainable solutions that empower farmers, enhance yields, and contribute to a more food-secure future for the Arab world.
National Achievements: Emerging Scientists
At the national level, Dr. Fahad bin Khudair Alshehri, an associate professor at King Saud University (KSU), received the Almarai Scientific Innovation Award for Emerging Scientists for his research titled “Coupling Machine and Deep Learning with Explainable Artificial Intelligence for Improving Prediction of Groundwater Quality and Decision-Making in Dryland Region, Saudi Arabia.” Moreover, his work represents a significant step forward in monitoring and managing water resources in arid areas.
Additionally, Dr. Nada Salem Al-Theyab, an assistant professor at KSU, was honored for her research, “Draft Genome Sequence of Potato Crop Bacterial Isolates and Nanoparticles-Intervention for the Induction of Secondary Metabolites Biosynthesis.” Her innovative approach combines nanotechnology and microbial genomics to enhance crop growth and safety.
Board of Trustees’ Commendation
During the meeting, the Board of Trustees commended the winning projects for their contributions to advancing food security and providing sustainable solutions for dryland regions. They emphasized that the awarded research represents a valuable addition to the R&D and innovation landscape in the Kingdom and beyond.
Mission, Future Aspirations
The Board reiterated the award’s mission to support scientists and innovators worldwide in addressing global challenges through pioneering research and projects in food security for arid regions. They expressed their hopes for the winners’ continued excellence and success, encouraging them to further their efforts in research and innovation within the field. Finally, the Almarai Prize continues to serve as a catalyst for inspiring impactful work in tackling critical global issues.
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